No fatalities

CESSNA 172 H accident at New Smyrna Beach, FL, 29 Aug 2025

New Smyrna Beach, FL, United States

On August 29, 2025, a CESSNA 172 H was involved in an aviation accident near New Smyrna Beach, FL. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Maintenance personnel’s failure to detect and address water contamination of the airplane’s fuel system, which resulted in a total loss of engine power during initial climb. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 2026-08-03Data APIEditorial standards

Probable cause

Maintenance personnel’s failure to detect and address water contamination of the airplane’s fuel system, which resulted in a total loss of engine power during initial climb.

— NTSB Determination

Contributing factors

Maintenance personnelInadequate inspectionFluid condition

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 29 Aug 2025 CESSNA 172 H accident near New Smyrna Beach, FL?

Maintenance personnel’s failure to detect and address water contamination of the airplane’s fuel system, which resulted in a total loss of engine power during initial climb.

Were there any fatalities in the 29 Aug 2025 CESSNA 172 H accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 29 Aug 2025 involved a CESSNA 172 H, at New Smyrna Beach, FL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Maintenance personnel’s failure to detect and address water contamination of the airplane’s fuel system, which resulted in a total loss of engine power during initial climb.